September 23, 2025Sep 23 ESPN.comMLB approves robot umps in 2026 for challengesMLB's 11-man competition committee on Tuesday approved use of the Automated Ball/Strike System in the major leagues in 2026.Major League Baseball's 11-man competition committee on Tuesday approved use of the Automated Ball/Strike System in the major leagues in 2026.Human plate umpires will still call balls and strikes, but teams can challenge two calls per game and get additional appeals in extra innings. Challenges must be made by a pitcher, catcher or batter -- signaled by tapping their helmet or cap -- and a team retains its challenge if successful. Reviews will be shown as digital graphics on outfield videoboards.The challenge system introduces ABS without eliminating pitch framing, a subtle art where catchers use their body and glove to try making borderline pitches look like strikes. Framing has become a critical skill for big league catchers, and there was concern that full-blown ABS would make some strong defensive catchers obsolete. Not that everyone loves it.
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.